We have witnessed NBA rivalries shake cities, but the WNBA’s new wave is packing up the arenas. The audience is showing up like never before. And you’ve probably already guessed who’s at the center of it all, the Indiana Fever. First, 19,496 (just 1,421 short of full capacity) fans flooded Chicago’s United Center for Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese. Even though an injury sidelined Clark, they showed up just to see her courtside. And now, for the much-hyped showdown with Paige Bueckers in Dallas. Clark was out again… and the American Airlines Center still sold out.
The two young stars are among the best in the game, and yet they have got nothing but respect for each other. “I think competition is the best form of respect. You just try to bring greatness out of each other. We both know it’s not Paige vs. Caitlin, it’s the Fever vs. the Wings,” Paige Bueckers recently said on the MavsTV Draft Show. She later added, “A lot of people will tune in for the rivalry, for the individuals, but will end up loving it as a team sport and end up loving and being fans of so many other athletes. It’s fun, we enjoy competing against each other, so it’s exciting.”
Unfortunately, the two haven’t competed since their college days, most recently in the 2024 NCAA Final Four. In that game, Iowa narrowly defeated UConn 71-69 as Clark put up 21 points while Bueckers scored 17. Tonight, they had a chance to settle the debates once and for all. But a groin injury sidelined Caitlin Clark that she had suffered in late minutes against the Storm. It even caused her to miss Fever’s 85-75 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks. Her absence prompted a warning from Paige Bueckers, who was concerned about Clark’s safety.
That’s right, the WNBA All-star games are coming up, and the Fever players are surely on that roster. But even for now, they created magic without Caitlin Clark on the court. Kelsey Mitchell led with 32 points and 7 assists, Aliyah Boston added 21 points, and Natasha Howard grabbed 13 rebounds with 15 points. Aari McDonald chipped in 13 and 6 assists. The squad as a whole shot a scorching 59.3% from the field with 32 assists. Next up: a showdown against the Minnesota Lynx to move above .500, stay tuned in.
Paige Bueckers defends Caitlin Clark as Fever “Get it done in Dallas”
The day before the Indiana Fever played the Dallas Wings, Paige Bueckers spoke up about the scrutiny young athletes face online. There she defended Caitlin Clark without hesitation. “The pressure that she’s put on every single night to perform at the level that she does,” Bueckers said. She added “it’s inhumane, really, to expect people to be perfect and to not have off games or off nights. If she doesn’t go 8-for-10 from 3, people are questioning things. It’s unfair to have to deal with that.”
She did acknowledge that criticism is part of the spotlight but stressed how tough it can be, adding, “It’s just what comes with it. Every player has to deal with it in some shape or form. In the NBA, it’s way worse. But you just deal with it.” Although, while Bueckers was doing the talking, Clark and the Fever were quietly preparing a response, off the court.
Caitlin Clark made sure her presence was still felt after the Fever pulled off a win over the Wings without her. She shared the team’s victory post with a pointed caption. It read “got it done in Dallas .” Was it a subtle dig? Possibly. But one thing’s certain, where Paige Bueckers handles things with grace, Clark knows how to throw just the right amount of spice. Together, they’re not just playing ball—they’re carrying the WNBA into a new era, one where health, heart, and a little swagger keep the crowds coming back.
The post Paige Bueckers Issues Warning To Injured Caitlin Clark At Wings vs Fever: ‘It Can Lead To Worse Things…’ appeared first on EssentiallySports.
